Water Taxi Beach SSS Loses Its Sand (Updated: WTB LIC Is Kaput, Too)

Photo: Melissa Hom

Last week it came to light that the original Water Taxi Beach in Long Island City may not open this summer owing to a city construction project (Update: Gothamist confirms it’s a goner), and now DNA Info reports changes at the South Street Seaport location as well: The new operator, who also owns Slate, is attempting to bring a “more mature crowd” by ditching the sand and fake trees for communal tables, real trees, and Ping-Pong and billiards tables. The resulting “upscale beer garden,” called Pier Garten, will open in early May.